Wine Access Unfiltered

Time travel exists—and it comes in a bottle. In this solo deep dive, we're exploring everything you need to know about older wines, from what actually happens as wine ages to how to find, store, and serve bottles with serious age on them. Drawing from years of working with Press Restaurant's legendary cellar—one of the largest collections of Napa Valley wines dating back to the 1950s—we break down which wines are worth cellaring, what "good funk" really means, and why you don't need a million-dollar cellar to enjoy the magic of aged wine. Whether you're curious about that 2015 Rioja in your glass or wondering if your closet can double as wine storage, this episode answers your most-asked questions about drinking through time. Spoiler: sediment is your friend, and no, you don't have to finish the bottle in one sitting. Wine: 2015 El Centimo Real Rioja Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@wineaccessunfiltered⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Previous Episode Reference: "Corked and Uncorked" Episode with PJ Awe from Amorim Cork America (about cork and wine storage misconceptions) Wine Regions/Styles Discussed for Aging: Regions Known for Age-Worthy Wines: Napa Valley, California (Cabernet Sauvignon) Bordeaux, France Burgundy, France (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir) Rioja, Spain (Reserva, Gran Reserva) Barolo, Piedmont, Italy Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy Champagne, France (can age 50-70+ years) Mosel, Germany (Riesling) Sauternes, France (sweet wines) Grapes That Age Well: Red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Tempranillo White: Chardonnay, Riesling Sparkling: Champagne Grapes/Styles That Don't Age Well: Rosé (with rare exceptions) Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Grigio Albariño "Chillable reds" Wine Storage & Serving Tools Mentioned: Repour wine savers (wine preservation) Coravin (wine preservation system) VinSling Wine cradle (for serving bottles with sediment) Decanter Flashlight (for checking wine color/condition in bottle) Key Concepts Covered: Oxidation in wine aging (controlled vs. uncontrolled) Temperature control for wine storage (55°F ideal) Sediment formation and handling Decanting aged wines Color changes in aged wine (browning, brick-red hues) Primary vs. secondary vs. tertiary aromas/flavors Tannin and acidity's role in aging Cork storage myths (lying down vs. standing up) Vintage variation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Forget the usual suspects—we're taking you off the beaten path with the top five most exciting wine destinations for 2026. From Portugal's incredible diversity beyond Port to Germany's underrated food scene, Argentina's high-altitude Malbecs in Mendoza, California's dynamic Paso Robles, and the UK's surprising sparkling wine regions, these are the places where wine, food, and culture collide in the best possible way. Whether you're planning your first wine trip or looking for your next adventure, this solo episode is packed with firsthand insights, travel tips, and why visiting wine regions beats any classroom education. Plus, we share what makes each destination uniquely exciting—and why now is the time to go. 2021 Catena Zapata Catena Alta Malbec Historic Rows Mendoza 📦 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@wineaccessunfiltered⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wine lovers don't just travel—they travel differently. And in this episode, Amanda sits down with Candice Mathis, founder of Vintage Departures and wine travel expert, to explore exactly how. From what makes a wine trip worth booking to why a great hotel bar matters more than you think, Candice shares her hard-earned wisdom from planning itineraries across Napa, Burgundy, Champagne, and beyond. They dig into the logistics of traveling with kids, why sleep is always worth the splurge, the unspoken rules of wine region etiquette, and how to unlock hotel perks you didn't know existed. Whether you're planning your first wine trip or your fiftieth, this conversation will change the way you think about where to stay, what to book, and how to make every moment count. Wine Featured on This Episode:⁠⁠⁠ 2022 Louis Millet Sancerre Rouge 📣 Links and Mentions Candice Mathis - Vintage Departures 🤳 @vintagedepartures 📧  c@vintagedepartures.com Hotels Napa Valley Four Seasons Meadowood Alila Auberge du Soleil Carneros Resort Le Petit Pali Champagne The Royal Champagne Piedmont (Alba) Casa di Langa 📦 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@wineaccessunfiltered⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @wineaccesspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Shop all the wines at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wine Access⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re kicking off season four with our new theme “Unfiltered In Flight” and exploring wine the lens of travel. Whether it’s a wine producing region or a major city abroad, we’re focusing on how wine people experience the places they visit. To start, we’re returning to a region that’s both iconic and endlessly misunderstood: Napa Valley. Together with local sommelier Laura Koffer of Wine Access, who has called the valley home for more than a decade, we’re unpacking what Napa actually feels like beyond the tasting room. From Champagne-fueled nights and backyard picnics to tacos, beer, and the casual luxury that defines daily life in the valley, we break down Napa’s geography, appointment culture, and how to plan smarter tasting days, with one core takeaway in mind: the best Napa trips aren’t about doing more, they’re about doing it better. Wine Featured on This Episode:⁠ 2024 Bordo Mare Vermentino Las Brisas Vineyard 📣 Links and Mentions Wine Bars & Drinking Spots Cadet Wine Bar (Napa) Compline Wine Bar (Napa) Chispa (Yountville) Pancha’s (Yountville) Ana’s Cantina (St. Helena) Restaurants & Food St. Helena Charlie’s Gott’s Roadside The Charter Oak Brasswood Cook St. Helena PRESS Ray Ray’s Tacos Station (coffee/pastries) Model Bakery Yountville Bouchon Bistro Bottega Tacos Garcia (Taco Truck next to Pancha’s - cash only) Model Bakery (St. Helena) Napa Scala Osteria Don Giovanni  A16 ZuZu Wineries & Wine Producers Opus One Promontory Inglenook Frog’s Leap Continuum Chappellet Brand Vineyard Hudson Ranch / Hudson Vineyards (Carneros) Beer Mad Fritz (Napa Valley) Hanabi Lager (Screaming Eagle winemaker) Russian River Brewing Company (Sonoma) Ernie’s Tin Bar (Sonoma; beer stop en route) Other, Logistics & Tips Oakville Grocery Adams Street Shipping (wine shipping service) Westwood Hills Park (hiking) Both State Park (hiking) Cameo Cinema Wild Vine Tours 📦 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@wineaccessunfiltered⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @wineaccesspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Shop all the wines at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wine Access⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season three of Wine Access Unfiltered was never about turning you into a sommelier — it was about helping you become a more confident, curious, and intentional wine buyer. In this solo finale, Amanda revisits the biggest ideas and “aha” moments from the season, from why asking better questions is the most powerful wine skill you can develop, to how importers can be your greatest shortcut to finding wines you’ll actually love. Pouring a classic Chianti, Amanda reflects on where value really lives in the wine world, why popularity often drives price more than quality, and how buying wine that fits your life — not someone else’s rules — leads to better bottles and more enjoyment. Whether you’re catching up, revisiting favorite lessons, or setting intentions for the year ahead, this episode is your reminder that wine doesn’t belong to gatekeepers. It belongs to you. Wine Featured on This Episode:2023 Poggio Bonelli Villa Chigi Saracini Chianti 📦 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@wineaccessunfiltered⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @wineaccesspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Shop all the wines at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wine Access⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The holidays are the perfect excuse to enjoy fancy snacks, and this episode—the last in our holiday food mini-series—is your official permission slip to indulge in the most luxurious of them: caviar. Shaoching Bishop, co-founder and CEO of Regiis Ova Caviar, the ultra-premium caviar company she built alongside three-Michelin-star chef Thomas Keller, joins to help us better understand and enjoy caviar this holiday season. From what caviar actually is to why quality, curing, and handling matter far more than prestige or price, she fills us in what it takes to produce one of the finest caviars in the world. Plus, Shaoching shares tips on how to store caviar properly at home and why you might want to consider cucumbers and ice cream (really) when serving. Whether you’re caviar-curious, already obsessed, or just looking to elevate your holiday or weeknight table, this episode will change the way you think about this iconic food. Wine Featured on This Episode 2023 Matthiasson Chardonnay Linda Vista Vineyard Napa Valley 📦 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@wineaccessunfiltered⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @wineaccesspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Shop all the wines at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wine Access⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The secret to great beef isn’t luck - it’s science, aging, and choosing the right cut. And nobody explains it better than Katie Flannery, third-generation butcher and co-owner of Flannery Beef. From a humble bay-area butcher shop to a beloved brand of chefs, sommeliers, and even Robert Parker, Flannery Beef has shaped the way many of us think about steak. And with so many of us enjoying a holiday roast this time of year, we’re demystifying everything from dry-aging to grading and why the beef you choose is just as important as the wine you pour alongside it. Plus, Katie shares how one major wine importer changed their business forever. Whether you're prepping for a holiday feast or finally ready to understand what makes great beef great, this episode is the perfect blend of wine, food, and unfiltered education. Wine Featured on This Episode 2023 Arnot-Roberts Syrah Sonoma Coast Flannery Beef Cuts and Mentions Dry Aged Prime Rib Roast Dry Aged Club Roast (Bryan's Favorite) The Jorge Gift Boxes 📦 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@wineaccessunfiltered⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @wineaccesspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Shop all the wines at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wine Access⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re kicking off a special holiday mini-series focused on the foods we love and the wines that make them shine. In this episode, we sit down with Chris Battle of Mighty Cap Mushrooms, whose Paso Robles mushroom farm has become a destination for chefs and curious cooks alike. Chris pulls back the curtain on how specialty mushrooms are grown, why sourcing matters, and how one simple technique can completely transform their flavor. We also pour a Carignan from Chile and break down why the grape’s spicy, vibrant profile is a natural match for mushroom-driven dishes. From cooking tips to holiday meal inspiration, this episode blends the best of wine and food in classic Unfiltered style — equal parts fun, educational, and delicious. Wine Featured on This Episode 2021 Morandé VIGNO Carignan, Maule Valley, Chile 📦 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@wineaccessunfiltered⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @wineaccesspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Shop all the wines at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wine Access⁠⁠⁠ 👉 Mighty Cap Mushrooms Tours, Farm Store & ProductsBook a tour, shop their specialty mushrooms, or learn more about the farm Grow Kits (Ships Nationwide!)Grow your own mushrooms at home — they make amazing holiday gifts Follow Mighty Cap Mushrooms on InstagramStay up to date with Chris and the Mighty Cap team 👉 Mawn (Philadelphia — BYOB Cambodian)The James Beard Award–winning restaurant Amanda visited before recording 👉 Plan a Trip to Paso Robles & Tin CityAn incredible food-and-wine destination worth putting on your calendar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zinfandel has been called California’s grape: it’s a little rebellious, often misunderstood, and always the life of the party. In this episode of Unfiltered, we’re diving deep into Zin’s roots with Chris Morisoli, fifth-generation Napa Valley grapegrower, helicopter pilot, and host of the Nine One Wine podcast. From the old vines of Rutherford to the spicy, fruit-driven bottles from Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley, Amanda and Chris unpack what makes Zinfandel so uniquely American—and why it’s poised for a major comeback. Along the way, Chris shares family stories dating back to the 1800s, what it’s really like during harvest season (spoiler: it starts at 3AM), and why the “Old Vine” label isn’t always what it seems. Wine Featured on This Episode:⁠ 2023 Dancing Zinfandel Fresh Take Dry Creek Valley 📦 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@wineaccessunfiltered⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @wineaccesspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Shop all the wines at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wine Access⁠⁠⁠ 🍇 Where to find Chris: Morisoli Vineyard – ⁠https://www.morisolivineyard.com⁠ Nine One Wine Podcast – ⁠https://www.nineonewine.com⁠ 🌎 Other Producers & References Ravenswood Winery Bedrock Wine Co. – Heritage vineyards & old-vine Zinfandel champions from Morgan Twain-Peterson MW Turley Wine Cellars –  Referenced for “Old Vines” benchmark; Larry Turley’s 50-year rule Robert Biale Vineyards – Morisoli single-vineyard bottling, including the famous Black Chicken Zinfandel. Sandlands Wines (Tegan Passalacqua) – Celebrated for authentic, small-lot old-vine Zinfandel and lesser-known varietals Elyse Winery – Producers of Morisoli Vineyard Zinfandel from 1987–2018 🥂 Restaurants, Food & Fun Mentions Buster’s Southern BBQ (Calistoga)  Taco Azteca (Napa Valley)  Cook St. Helena COTE Korean Steakhouse  Coqodaq - Featured for “fried chicken & Champagne” pairing, as seen on Apple TV’s Chasing Stars Dry Creek General Store – Amanda’s rec for best sandwiches while exploring Dry Creek Valley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do some bottles (and handbags) whisper luxury while others shout it from the rooftops? In this week’s episode, Amanda sits down with fashion creator and style expert Style by Wale to explore what our closets and cellars say about us. From investment pieces to everyday staples, they unpack how luxury in both fashion and wine isn’t just about price—it’s about craftsmanship, intention, and knowing your personal taste. Wale breaks down how to spot quality, find your “fashion palate,” and why letting go of trends can make room for timeless style. Amanda connects these same ideas to the wine world—explaining why a $30 Cru Beaujolais can be every bit as elegant as a $300 Burgundy, and how to shop smarter for wines that feel as good as they taste. Whether you’re a fan of The Row or just curious about what makes a wine quietly luxurious, this episode will change the way you think about how (and why) you buy. Wine Featured on This Episode:2023 Château de La Chaize Fleurie Beaujolais Follow:📸 @stylebywale 📦 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@wineaccessunfiltered⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @wineaccesspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Shop all the wines at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wine Access⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all know wine has rules. But who says you have to follow them? James Beard-nominated author (The Rebel School of Wine) and self-proclaimed “wine rebel” Tyler Balliet is helping us challenge every “thou shalt not” in the wine world. From dunking ice cubes into red wine to sipping rosé in December, this conversation is a delicious middle finger to snobbery and a refreshing celebration of drinking what you like. From how taste really works (hint: it’s not all in your mouth) to how Champagne became the ultimate rebel wine, this episode will leave you feeling empowered, inspired, and ready to break a few rules of your own.  🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode ⁠2023 Viola Franconia Trevenezia 📖Learn More about Tyler and buy the book! 📦 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@wineaccessunfiltered⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @wineaccesspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Shop all the wines at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wine Access⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sauvignon Blanc has officially entered its main character era, and we are so here for it. Whether you’re pouring Sancerre before noon à la Emily in Paris, shaking Sauv Blanc into a martini, or pairing it with after-school snacks (hello, Goldfish), the grape is absolutely everywhere—and shining in its versatility. Join Amanda and viral content creator Pilar Brito (@barpilarr—who has rocketed from lawyer to wine influencer in just over a year—for a breakdown of why Sauvignon Blanc deserves more credit, the regions and producers worth seeking out, and exactly how far a good goat cheese can take you. Plus: oyster parties, salad slander, “flat Champagne,” and a spectacular bottle from little-known Menetou-Salon! 🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode 2023 La Rive de Loire Menetou-Salon 📦 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@wineaccessunfiltered⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @wineaccesspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Shop all the wines at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wine Access⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do Uruguay and Germany have in common? They were both bucket-list wine regions for Amanda and Laura Koffer, and in this special 100th episode (!!) of Unfiltered, they share their thrilling visits to these two sleeper destinations. From Germany’s soaring slate slopes to the glory of perfectly aged Uruguayan Tannat, they cover the wines, regions, and meals that made their trips magical—oh, and before you ask, yes, there were capybaras. Check out the episode to learn why Albariño might be your next favorite transition white, what spargel season means in Germany, and how to actually make Tannat work for your palate. Enjoy, and cheers to 100 episodes of Uncorked conversations! 🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode 2023 Garzon Single Vineyard Albarino Uruguay 📦 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club⁠⁠⁠⁠ 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@wineaccessunfiltered⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @wineaccesspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Shop all the wines at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wine Access⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You know Pinot Noir. But do you know Spätburgunder? For years, wine insiders have known that German Pinot Noir offers Burgundian-level quality at a fraction of the price. But in this episode we’re blowing this industry secret wide open courtesy of Zack Musick (German Wine Collection) who joins us for a fresh take on one of the world’s most beloved grapes. From unexpected flavor profiles (think bone broth, mushrooms, and spice) to why an eagle on the label is a true marker for quality, we’re digging into how Pinot Noir expresses itself in Germany outside of its classic regions and why it’s often considered the ultimate “terroir grape,” capable of transparently reflecting the soil, climate, and place it’s grown. Plus, we’ve got all your food pairings ranging from classic duck to Philly cheesesteaks and Amanda’s unexpected (but highly effective) Costco salad and chicken schnitzel hack. 🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode 2022 Rings Estate Spätburgunder Pflaz 📦 ⁠⁠⁠Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club⁠⁠⁠ 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@wineaccessunfiltered⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @wineaccesspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Shop all the wines at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wine Access⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

They say there "ain't no party like a Napa party" and our guests are true Napa Valley locals who know how to deliver the Napa Valley experience. We’re throwing a “virtual” summer block party and inviting our wine country friends to hang and share some “locals only” tips and tricks. Audra Chapman (Newfound Wine), Josh Phelps (Grounded Wine Co.), and Scott Dale (Wild Vine Tours) join us to dish on their favorite hidden gem wineries, where to hike and bike, and the secret charcuterie spot that even Amanda didn’t know existed! 🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode ⁠2022 Newfound Gravels Red Wine⁠ 📦 ⁠⁠Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club⁠⁠ 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@wineaccessunfiltered⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @wineaccesspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Shop all the wines at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wine Access⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether it’s to Burgundy, Barolo, or Barossa, wine travel delivers big-time pleasure—but can come with serious setbacks, from shipping snafus and suitcase spills to winding wine-country road nausea. Enter Amanda, whose passport’s been stamped by just about every wine-producing country on the globe. In this episode, she shares hard-earned travel hacks, favorite flight-friendly accessories, tips on how to find the best coffee, and the best way to educate yourself—before you arrive. Let’s go! 🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode 2019 Esprit de Pavie Bordeaux 🧳 Amanda’s Amazon Travel List 📦 ⁠Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club⁠ 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@wineaccessunfiltered⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ @wineaccesspod⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠⁠⁠ Shop all the wines at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Wine Access⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you hear “Riesling,” do you still think syrupy sweet? If so, you're not alone, but you're definitely missing out.  In this episode, Amanda and Wine Access experts Eduardo Dingler and Laura Koffer set the record straight on one of the world’s most versatile yet vexing grapes. They unpack Riesling’s reputation in the US, share tips on how to decode sweetness levels, and reveal where (outside Germany) you should look for great Riesling. Oh, and for those who love everything from oysters and sushi to spicy noodles and summertime salads, they get into why Riesling might just be the GOAT when it comes to food pairings! 🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode 2024 Henschke Riesling Peggy's Hill Eden Valley Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases  Follow us on social! IG: ⁠⁠⁠@wineaccessunfiltered⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠ @wineaccesspod⁠⁠⁠ Host: ⁠⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠⁠ Shop all the wines at ⁠⁠⁠Wine Access⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oregon Pinot, Washington Syrah, and… heavy metal? Believe it or not, all three fit right into this episode’s deep dive into the Pacific Northwest, one of the world’s most exciting (and misunderstood) wine regions.Fresh off a National Geographic wine cruise through the Columbia and Snake Rivers, host Amanda McCrossin is joined by journalist, educator, and senior editor at JancisRobinson.com Samantha Cole-Johnson. In this enlightening (and, of course, unfiltered) conversation, Amanda and Sam get into Washington’s red-hot Rocks District, where to eat and drink in Portland, and—HOT TAKE ALERT—why Oregon might actually be best suited to white wines. Whether you’re Pinot-obsessed, Syrah-curious, or just wondering what to do on your next trip to the PNW wine country, this one’s for you 2023 Tior Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 📢 Links & Mentions Follow Samantha Cole-Johnson on InstagramFor updates on her wine reviews, blind tasting series, and more.👉 @samanthacolejohnson Read Samantha’s work on JancisRobinson.comCheck out her writing and the “Wine News in Five” feature.👉 📰 Wine News in Five – read on JancisRobinson.com 👉🎧 Wine News in Five -- listen to the Podcast Nat Geo x Lindblad Columbia & Snake Rivers CruiseThe wine-adventure cruise Amanda went on.👉 Columbia & Snake Rivers Journey Kann Restaurant (Portland)Amanda’s top meal of 2024.👉 Kann Portland Coquine RestaurantHighly praised spot in Portland mentioned by Samantha.👉 Coquine Portland Bar Casa ValeFor Spanish wine and Sherry in Portland.👉 Bar Casa Vale St. Jack & Lovely’s Fifty FiftyFavorite neighborhood spots also mentioned in the episode.👉 St. Jack | Lovely’s Fifty Fifty Blood of Gods Wine x Metal Festival (Walla Walla)Yes, it’s real—and Samantha is speaking at it.👉 Blood of Gods ⁠⁠Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club⁠⁠ 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases  Follow us on social! IG: ⁠⁠@wineaccessunfiltered⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠ @wineaccesspod⁠⁠ Host: ⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠ Shop all the wines at ⁠⁠Wine Access⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when one of the most legendary Champagne minds on the planet leaves a Champagne icon… to make sake? In this special bonus episode, Amanda sits down with Richard Geoffroy, former Chef de Cave of Dom Pérignon, to discuss his newest—and to many, extremely unexpected—venture: IWA 5, a cutting-edge Junmai Daiginjo sake born in Japan’s Toyama Prefecture.Recorded in NYC during a rare stateside visit, this conversation with Richard explores his bold leap from the structured tradition of Champagne to the boundless creative freedom of sake brewing. From the moment he first encountered a transformative Kyoto sake in 2000 to the experimental, terroir-redefining blending process behind IWA, Richard opens up about creativity, culture, and why sake might be the most versatile beverage on the planet. Plus, sake expert Eduardo Dingler joins the conversation to help unpack the world of premium sake—so whether you’re merely sake-curious or a seasoned enthusiast, you should consider this rare glimpse into the world of top-level to be a must-listen! 📺 Watch the episode in full on YouTube 🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode: NV IWA 5 Assemblage 5 Junmai Daiginjo Toyama **Note, this is not a wine club wine 👉 Explore IWA Sake ⁠⁠Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club⁠⁠ 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: ⁠⁠@wineaccessunfiltered⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠ @wineaccesspod⁠⁠ Host: ⁠⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠⁠ Shop all the wines at ⁠⁠Wine Access Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Midwestern tax-preparer Steve Hoffman moved his family to the South of France to live out his dream of being a French-speaking bon vivant. But when life abroad fell far short of his expectations, he found himself at a loss for what to do—until his vigneron neighbor started him on a new and uncharted path. Steve swapped his spreadsheets for soupe à l’oignon, and his outstanding memoir A Season For That—which NYT Wine Critic Eric Asimov called one of the best wine books of 2024—recounts his transformative experience with humor and heart. In his conversation with host Amanda McCrossin, Steve touches upon the magic of shared meals and the importance of “terroir” in both food and life—plus how to cultivate a “bon vivant” attitude, even if you can’t move to France! 🍷 Wine Featured On This Episode: 2022 Clos Venturi 1769 Corsica Links & Mentions ⁠Learn more about Steve here ⁠Join the Unfiltered Podcast Wine Club⁠ 4 bottles per shipment hand selected by Amanda Delivered every 2 months (1 wine/episode) / 6x per year $120 + tax Shipping Included Cancel anytime 10% off all Wine Access purchases Follow us on social! IG: ⁠@wineaccessunfiltered⁠ Twitter: ⁠ @wineaccesspod⁠ Host: ⁠Amanda McCrossin⁠ Shop all the wines at ⁠Wine Access Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices